Standard Syllabus Statements: Student Resources, Rights, and Responsibilities

The Student Handbook is an introduction to the important academic and job-related skills that you will need to master, and it details the considerable resources available to help you maximize your success at Columbus State. The Student Handbook’s initial sections cover skills such as time management, project planning, teamwork and persistence, and guide you through the steps to mastering them. Subsequent chapters of the handbook are filled with useful information about the college. Within those sections, you will learn about student services as well as student rights and responsibilities. The Student Handbook can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/student-handbook.shtml

Academic Advising at Columbus State helps students develop their schedules and academic plans. For a list of available Academic Advising services, please visit: https://www.cscc.edu/services/advising/.

 

The Columbus State Financial Aid Office helps students process grants, loans, and scholarships. For full information please visit: https://www.cscc.edu/services/financial-aid/.

Student Central, located on the upper level of Madison Hall, is the place to stop for guidance and assistance you need to be a successful student. The Student Services Specialists at Student Central are well versed in every area of Columbus State and will work closely with you to find answers and connect you to the resources you need. Visit Student Central for help with: Financial Aid, Registration, Student Records, CougarID Cards, and Ohio Residency.

 

The Academic Calendar for the current and future semesters, detailing all important dates and deadlines, can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/academics/calendar/

 

The Testing Center provides testing services for online courses as well as make up exams for face to face courses.

The Testing Center has multiple locations:

• Columbus Campus, Aquinas Hall (AQ), Room 002
• Delaware Campus, Moeller Hall (MO), Room 157
• Dublin Center, Room 311
• Reynoldsburg Center, Room 115

Your instructor will give you specific instructions regarding exams. Testing Center hours vary by semester and are updated here: Testing Center Hours.

For more information please visit http://www.cscc.edu/services/testingcenter/ or call 614-287-2478.

 

The Information Technology (IT) Support Center provides related services and support to Columbus State Community College staff, faculty, and students. If you have technical questions about Blackboard, or if you are receiving error messages, they can offer assistance. Please contact the IT Support Center at: helpdesk@cscc.edu, 614-287-5050, or https://www.cscc.edu/services/itsc/.

 

You will need access to certain technology to be successful in your courses. In general, you will need a computer that is less than 3 years old, Internet access, and a compatible Internet browser (Columbus State recommends Firefox, which can be downloaded for free here: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/).

Full details about technical requirements can be found here: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Original/Getting_Started/Browser_Support.

 

The Columbus campus library is located in Columbus Hall (CO). Their phone numbers are: Circulation Desk 614-287-2465 (Circulation Desk) and 614-287-2460 (Reference Desk).

The Delaware campus Learning Center is located in Moeller Hall (MO). Their phone numbers are: Circulation Desk 740-203-8183 (Circulation Desk) and 740-203-8183 (Reference Desk).

Additional information and library resources can be found at: https://library.cscc.edu/home

 

Online and in-person tutoring for many subjects is provided free of charge to current Columbus State students. https://www.cscc.edu/services/tutoring.shtml

 

The Columbus State Community College Writing Center is a free one-on-one tutorial service for students, faculty, and staff. These services are offered in-person and online. Tutors work with writers on a variety of assignments such as critical essays, research papers, reviews, resumes, formal business letters, lab reports, case studies, poems, and job applications. Tutors do not write papers, edit final drafts, or discuss grades, but they do help clients improve grammar, punctuation, organization, spelling, vocabulary, and other skills related to writing. Tutors are experts at helping clients develop confidence in their own ability to write for success across the curriculum. The Writing Center provides tutoring services in 102 Columbus Hall (first floor of the Library), at the Delaware campus, at some Regional Learning Centers, and online. For additional information about the Writing Center, please visit: https://www.cscc.edu/academics/departments/english/writing-center.shtml

 

Team members in the Student Advocacy Center focus on developing a "culture of care" by educating the college community on ways to help students navigate barriers to success and access resources for support. Our CState CARES mission is to provide students with Connections And Resources for Economic Stability.

Student Advocacy Center

The Columbus State Military and Veterans Services Department provides individualized enrollment and referral services to assist community members in successfully meeting their educational and career goals. They are committed to providing uncompromising service by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability and stewardship. More information can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/military-veterans/.

 

It is Columbus State policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities as stated in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you would like to request such accommodations for access, please contact Accessibility Services: 101 Eibling Hall, (614) 287-2570. Delaware Campus students may contact an Advisor in the Student Services Center on the first floor of Moeller Hall, (740)203-8345.

 

Title IX

Columbus State is committed to supporting a safe, respectful and productive learning, athletic and working environment and prohibits sexual misconduct in any form. This includes sexual harassment, sexual violence and other unwelcome or nonconsensual behavior that is of a sexual nature or based on sex and is directed towards or is by students, employees, persons participating in a college program or activity, vendors and college visitors. The College will address the behavior and/or its impact when it affects the learning, athletic and/or working environment, any other college program or activity or a substantial interest of the college, whether or not the behavior occurred on or off college property.

Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation

Columbus State is committed to supporting a respectful and productive learning, athletic and working environment free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The College prohibits discriminatory or harassing behavior based on a protected class by or against students, employees, persons participating in a College program or activity, vendors and College visitors. Protected classes for purposes of this policy are sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information (GINA), military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent of a young child or status as a foster parent, status as a nursing mother and gender identity and expression.

 

While the College does not tolerate retaliatory behavior of any kind, the type of retaliation addressed by the Compliance Office is retaliation based on bringing forth a good faith allegation of
discrimination and/or harassment and/or participating in an investigation of discrimination and/or
harassment and/or supporting someone involved in a report of discrimination and/or harassment and/or an individual’s exercise of rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Amendments (ADA/ADAAA) and/or under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).

 

To answer questions or address concerns related to these protections, please contact any of the following:

Joan Cook, Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Supervisor
jcook60@cscc.edu
614-287-2636

Jolene Broshious, Senior Compliance Officer
jbroshious@cscc.edu
614-287-5106 

Jordan Lochard, Compliance Officer
jlochard@cscc.edu
614-287-3955

For additional information about these protections or to file a secure, online complaint, please visit the Compliance Office webpage at: http://www.cscc.edu/services/title-ix/

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. Counseling Services are FREE of charge for all enrolled students. Counseling Services at Columbus State are only offered at the college’s downtown Columbus campus. If you are attending classes in Delaware or at a Regional Learning Center and are in search of counseling services closer to home, a list of community providers can be found at the Counseling Services website below. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about mental health services at Columbus State or in your local community, contact Counseling Services at 614-287-2818. You may also obtain more information by visiting the Counseling Services office located in NH Room 010 or via the web at: www.cscc.edu/services/counseling

 

The Columbus State Police Department maintains close relationships with students and faculty to provide a safe and accessible environment which is conducive to learning. If you do not feel safe while walking to or from your vehicle, or while walking on campus, you can call the Columbus State Police to request a security escort to assist you.  As long as someone is available, a police officer or security specialist will gladly walk you anywhere on campus. You can also utilize the RAVE Guardian app for a ‘virtual escort’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or receive emergency alerts on your phone by utilizing the RAVE MOBILE SAFETY program: https://www.cscc.edu/services/rave/.

During an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact the Columbus State Police Department at 614-287-2525 or visit them at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/police/index.shtml.

 

Students who qualify for Federal Student Aid may also qualify for community support like food assistance, child care assistance, health coverage, and more.

Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS) is on-site at CSCC to assist students, staff and faculty in learning more about and accessing public assistance benefits and support services by completing the application/redetermination process on-site, providing direct referrals to the appropriate work units at JFS, completing updates and case changes, answering questions and concerns and making community referrals. For more information, please visit: https://www.cscc.edu/services/essential-needs/community-resources.shtml.

Peer Advocates are student employees who provide peer to peer support by listening to students and educating them about resources on campus and in the community to address barriers to their academic and personal success. To connect with a Peer Advocate and learn more about college and community resources call 614-287-5192,  email peeradvocates@cscc.edu, or visit: https://www.cscc.edu/services/essential-needs/peer.shtml.

 

All-gender, single-user bathrooms are located in Nestor Hall on the Basement Level, in Delaware Hall outside the cafeteria, in Workforce Development on the 4th Floor, and in Mitchell Hall.

A Lactation Room is located in Nestor Hall 019B, Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Extended room availability beyond 5 pm is dependent upon staffing availability and the Public Safety Department. To reserve the room, employees should exchange their ID for the room key located in the SEaL Department Office in Nestor East Lounge.

Rooms for prayer or meditation are located in Nestor Hall 028 on the Columbus Campus or Moeller Hall 242 on the Delaware Campus. 

If you are hungry while on campus and unable to purchase food, please visit one of the Campus Cupboards for a free snack. Locations of these Campus Cupboards can be found here: https://www.cscc.edu/services/essential-needs/pdf/CampusCupboardSign.pdf

 

Through the College Credit Plus (CCP) program students in grades 7-12 can take Columbus State classes and earn both high school credit to satisfy graduation requirements, and college credit that will be on their Columbus State transcript. For more information on the CCP program visit: https://www.cscc.edu/academics/college-credit-plus/

CCP Grades: If you enroll in a Columbus State course as a    CCP student, the final grade you earn for the course will be recorded on both the college transcript and the high school transcript. The final letter grade will be the same on both transcripts regardless of whether the college    and the high school grading scales    match. CCP courses will be weighted in the same manner as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses, if your district weights any of those courses in this same subject area. If you receive a failing grade for a College Credit Plus course, your school district may seek reimbursement for the amount of state funds paid to the college on your behalf for that    college    course. The school district may withhold grades and credits received for high school courses taken until reimbursement has been made. Consult your school Counselor for questions about    your district policy. For more information visit: 

https://www.ohiohighered.org/ccp/faqs

CCP students in need of support can reach out to a CCP advisor by emailing ccpadvising@cscc.edu

 

Columbus State Community College's Institutional Learning Goals are an integral part of the curriculum and central to the mission of the college. The faculty at Columbus State have identified the following institutional learning goals:

• Critical Thinking
• Ethical Reasoning
• Quantitative Skills
• Scientific Literacy
• Technological Competence
• Communication Competence
• Cultural and Social Awareness
• Professional & Life Skills

In-class students are assessed on their achievement of the outcomes outlined in their specific course syllabus. Names will not be used when reporting results. Outcomes-based assessment is used to improve instructional planning and design and the quality of student learning throughout the college. Please see the course syllabus for more information.

Full description of Columbus State’s Institutional Learning Goals

The Mid-Ohio Market at Columbus State (MOM @CState) is a resource for students and community members to access free, fresh, and shelf-stable food on a regular basis. It is located at 400 Grove Street on the Columbus Campus.   

Mid-Ohio Market

As an enrolled student at Columbus State Community College, you have agreed to abide by the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook. You should familiarize yourself with the student code. Columbus State expects you to exhibit high standards of academic integrity, respect, and responsibility. Any confirmed incidence of misconduct, including plagiarism and other forms of cheating, will be treated seriously and in accordance with College Policy and Procedure 7-10. The full Student Code of Conduct can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/student-conduct/code-of-conduct.shtml

 

Students may not use generative artificial intelligence (AI) or large language models (LLMs) for coursework unless explicitly permitted by the instructor. Instructors may establish specific course policies regarding these tools. Always consult the course syllabus and assignment instructions for additional guidance. These tools must be used transparently and with appropriate citations.

Columbus State faculty aim to develop students’ critical thinking skills and other institutional learning goals. Generative AI and LLMs have been developed that can assist students in the development of these skills, but they can also interfere with students’ ability to achieve these institutional learning outcomes when used inappropriately.

Students who use these tools outside of the specific guidelines listed in the course or in this policy may violate the CSCC Student Code of Conduct.

Active class attendance and participation lead to academic success. Financial aid funds are disbursed in "good faith" that you are attending and actively participating in your classes. Columbus State is required by federal law to verify the enrollment of students who participate in Federal Title IV student aid programs and/or who receive educational benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Beginning the third week of the semester, it is the responsibility of the College to identify students who never participate or who stop participating in any course for which they are registered and paid. These students will be administratively withdrawn from the class section. Financial aid will be disbursed to eligible students starting the fourth week of the semester. Non-attending students will not receive financial aid. 

Please contact the Financial Aid Office for information regarding the impact of course withdrawals on financial aid eligibility. https://www.cscc.edu/services/financial-aid/index.shtml

 

It is Columbus State policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities as stated in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you would like to request such accommodations for access, please contact Accessibility Services: 101 Eibling Hall, 614-287-2570. Email or give your instructor a copy of your accommodations letter from Accessibility Services as soon as possible. Accommodations do not start until the letter is received, and accommodations are not retroactive. Delaware Campus students may contact an advisor in the Student Services Center on the first floor of Moeller Hall, 740-203-8345. More information can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/disability/

 

Audio- and video-recording, transmission, or distribution of class content (e.g., lectures, discussions, demonstrations, etc.) is strictly prohibited unless the course instructor has provided written permission via the syllabus or a signed form. Authorization to record extends solely to students in that particular course. Transmitting, sharing, or distributing course content onto public, commercial, or social media sites is strictly prohibited. 

 

As a result of a proposal by the Ohio Board of Regents in 2012, Columbus State became a tobacco-free institution, as have colleges and universities across the nation, including The Ohio State University, which made the change in 2014. In an effort to support the health and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff, the College has adopted a tobacco-free policy which prohibits the use of all tobacco-related products on College property. The primary emphasis of this approach is to focus on the elimination of tobacco use on all College property with cessation left as a choice for the individual. The effective date for the tobacco-free policy was July 1, 2015. 

 

Concealed weapons are not permitted on any property controlled by Columbus State, with the exception that a person with a valid concealed handgun license may store a firearm and ammunition inside the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or container in the person's privately owned vehicle. For additional information see College Policy 3-45.

 

FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and prohibits their disclosure without student consent (unless otherwise required by law) to individuals outside of the College or to individuals within the College without a legitimate educational interest. Additional information, including details about  how to withhold personal information from the directory, can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/registrar/withhold-information.shtml

The College exercises the utmost sensitivity with respect to the privacy concerns of complainants who have been the target of discrimination, especially sexual misconduct. However, privacy interests of the reporting source are balanced with the College’s obligations under state and federal law, its need to protect the College community and to insure that appropriate investigative and/or disciplinary processes are implemented. Information about how the College will protect the confidentiality of complainants, including how publicly-available recordkeeping will be accomplished without the inclusion of identifying information about the complainant, to the extent permissible by law, can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/title-ix/privacy-info.shtml

 

The Student Handbook is an introduction to the important academic and job-related skills that you will need to master, and it details the considerable resources available to help you maximize your success at Columbus State. The Student Handbook’s initial sections cover skills such as time management, project planning, teamwork and persistence, and guide you through the steps to mastering them. Subsequent chapters of the handbook are filled with useful information about the college. Within those sections, you will learn about student services as well as student rights and responsibilities. The Student Handbook can be found at: https://www.cscc.edu/services/student-handbook.shtml

 

In the event of severe weather or other emergencies that could force the college to close or to cancel classes, such information will be broadcast on radio stations and television stations. Students who reside in areas that fall under a Level III emergency should not attempt to drive to the college even if the college remains open.

Assignments due on a day the college is closed will be due the next scheduled class period. If an examination is scheduled for a day the campus is closed, the examination will be given on the next class day. If a laboratory is scheduled on the day the campus is closed, it will be made up at the next scheduled laboratory class. If necessary, laboratory make-up may be held on a Saturday. Please review the academic department specific policy relative to clinical, practicum, of other missed time due to weather related college closings.

Students who miss a class because of weather-related problems when the class is held as scheduled are responsible for readings and other assignments as indicated in the syllabus. If a laboratory or an examination is missed, contact the faculty member as soon as possible to determine how to make up the missed exam or lab. Remember, it is the student’s responsibility to keep up with readings and other assignments when a scheduled class does not meet, whatever the reason.

In the event the college is forced to close during Final Examination Week, exams scheduled for the first missed date will be rescheduled. The faculty member for each section of a course will communicate via email to registered students of the new date, time, and location of the exam. This information will also be posted, by the faculty member, on their Blackboard section as an announcement.

For more information please visit: https://www.cscc.edu/about/severe-weather.shtml

 

It is the College’s policy to reasonably accommodate the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of all students. The policy permits a student to be absent for up to three days each academic semester for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief.    

Students planning to use religious beliefs or practices accommodations for course requirements must inform the instructor in writing no later than 14 days after the semester begins. The instructor is then responsible for scheduling an alternative time and date for the assessment, which may be before or after the original time and date of the assessment. These alternative accommodations will remain confidential. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all assessments and course assignments are completed. 

Students with concerns should refer to the grievance process within Policy 7-16, Student Religious Accommodations. Students with concerns can also contact the Executive Assistant for the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@cscc.edu or 614-287-5024.

Non-Exhaustive List of Religious Holidays and Festivals 

Approved by Academic Council on February 10, 2023